Michael Griffin | Defensive Back | #22

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Panthers signed S Michael Griffin to a one-year contract.

Griffin was cut by the Vikings on the eve of Week 1. He could see immediate playing time for the Panthers, who have been getting near league-worst safety play. The Panthers' scheme has a way of rejuvenating elderly safeties, though Kurt Coleman is having a rough year. Tue, Sep 27, 2016 05:34:00 PM

Griffin tweeted he was released, which likely indicates a settlement is forthcoming. Griffin lost out to Andrew Sendejo despite getting $750,000 guaranteed in March. The nine-year veteran might not have much left in the tank. Sat, Sep 3, 2016 02:03:00 PM

Vikings signed S Michael Griffin, formerly of the Titans, to a one-year, $3 million contract.

The Titans cut Griffin last month after nine years with the organization. Now 31, Griffin's play has slipped precipitously in center field, but will be teaming up with a legitimate defensive guru in coach Mike Zimmer. Griffin has also remained durable. At least for now, Andrew Sendejo looks to be the favorite to start opposite Harrison Smith, but beat writer Chris Tomasson expects Griffin to push for the No. 2 job. Wed, Mar 9, 2016 06:07:00 PM

Griffin tweeted he was released, which likely indicates a settlement is forthcoming. Griffin lost out to Andrew Sendejo despite getting $750,000 guaranteed in March. The nine-year veteran might not have much left in the tank.

Vikings signed S Michael Griffin, formerly of the Titans, to a one-year, $3 million contract.

The Titans cut Griffin last month after nine years with the organization. Now 31, Griffin's play has slipped precipitously in center field, but will be teaming up with a legitimate defensive guru in coach Mike Zimmer. Griffin has also remained durable. At least for now, Andrew Sendejo looks to be the favorite to start opposite Harrison Smith, but beat writer Chris Tomasson expects Griffin to push for the No. 2 job.

The move is not surprising. A first-round pick by the Titans in 2007, Griffin is a two-time Pro Bowler and led the league in interceptions in 2008, but his play has been declining for several seasons. Griffin has been one of the NFL's most overpaid defensive backs for nearly a half-decade. The 31-year-old will struggle to get a long-term deal on the open market. The Titans saved $6.5 million against the cap by releasing Griffin.

The Nashville Tennessean now calls FS Michael Griffin a "given" in the Titans' secondary this season.

Scheduled to count $8.1 million against the cap and coming off yet another down season, Griffin appeared to be a strong candidate for release. The Titans aren't desperate for cap space and have bigger things to worry about than Griffin, so it sounds like his spot is safe. Tennessee could use a safety next to him.

The exact nature of the procedure is unknown, though it's likely of the clean-up variety. The operation was delayed because Griffin was already recovering from shoulder surgery, and couldn't use crutches. Coach Ken Whisenhunt has hinted Griffin could miss the Titans' entire offseason program. Recovering from two surgeries, Griffin is due to count $8.1 million against the cap after struggling in 2014. Cutting him loose would clear $4.5 million in space.

Griffin missed just nine snaps all season and was in on the third-most defensive plays among safeties. He received negative marks across the board from Pro Football Focus, grading out as the site's 84th safety out of 88 qualifiers. There's a good chance the Titans release Griffin and his $8.1 million cap number this offseason, saving $4.5 million against the cap. He'll be sidelined 4-6 months.

FS Michael Griffin admits he may not be back with the Titans next season.

The big hitter was one of the worst safeties in the league this season, coming in 83-of-88 in Pro Football Focus' ratings. Six days shy of his 30th birthday, Griffin is due $6.3 million in 2015. It's an untenable number, but the Titans' front office is prone to terrible decisions. It's possible they'll keep Griffin because they like the "tone" he sets, or some other cliche. Griffin hinted he'd be open to a pay cut, but that he'd have to talk it over with his family.

The Nashville Tennessean doesn't expect FS Michael Griffin to be a salary-cap casualty.

Cutting Griffin would create $6.2 million in real savings, and $8 million in cap space, but reporter Jim Wyatt believes his roster spot is "OK." Griffin missed the first two games of his career last season, but continued to play at an above-average level. Still only 29, Griffin should be back. He's signed through 2016.

The foot procedure was related to plantar fasciitis, while the knee surgery was just a simple injection. Griffin has just started running again. In a football-related note, Griffin says the new coaching staff informed him he'll be playing closer to the line of scrimmage in 2014. That may mean free agent SS Bernard Pollard won't be back. Griffin carries an $8 million cap number.

Griffin is coming off a solid season, finishing with 106 tackles and an interception in Tennessee's No. 11 ranked pass defense. He's currently set to count $8 million against the cap in 2014, so the Titans could look to part ways under a new coaching staff. George Wilson would serve as a capable in-house replacement if Griffin is released. Free agent SS Bernard Pollard is also questionable to be brought back this offseason.

Depth Charts

Derek Anderson still worked with the first-team offense as Newton was mostly limited to red-zone work. Newton is still getting his strength back as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. It's unlikely we'll see Newton during Carolina's preseason slate but he doesn't seem to be in danger of missing Week 1.

Damiere Byrd caught four passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns in the Panthers' preseason opener.

The Panthers need a deep threat after parting ways with Ted Ginn, and Byrd made his case on Wednesday night, hooking up with Joe Webb on a 50-yard score in the second quarter. "Coach (Ron) Rivera talks about it all the time, ‘Make those opportunities count,’" Byrd said. "I think I’ve put myself in a great position. I just have to continue to do things well." Byrd also opened the game as the first-team punt returner, suggesting he has a good shot to make the final roster.

"He’s still in the rehab program," coach Ron Rivera said. "He’s been doing great. He’s there every day." The Panthers have been vague on a return date for their pivot man, saying only that he will be ready for Week 1. The 11th-year pro doesn't need OTAs, or even all of camp, to be ready for 2017.